By Sainabou Sambou
The Farmer Pharmacy Organization is set to host its inaugural Farmers Market Day on Saturday, April 18, 2026. The event aims to connect smallholder farmers directly with consumers, offering fresh, locally produced goods while addressing long-standing challenges in marketing and distribution.
Farmer Badjie, Public Relations Officer of Farmers’ Pharmacy, described the initiative as a game-changer for Gambian farmers, particularly women and youth who form the backbone of small-scale agriculture. “Farmers produce crops, but middlemen often control sales and earn more than the producers,” Badjie said in an exclusive interview with Alkamba Times. “They do all the work—clearing land, planting, and fertilizing—yet middlemen take the lion’s share of the profits. This market day will allow farmers to display their produce, invite customers, and sell directly without intermediaries.”
The Farmers’ Pharmacy Organization began as a modest WhatsApp group initiated by Senegalese suppliers of fertilizers, pesticides, and agricultural chemicals. Over time, the group recognized the difficulties Gambian farmers faced with these products and shifted its focus to providing better guidance and locally adapted solutions. What started with around 50 farmers has since grown into a structured cooperative with an executive committee, regional representatives nationwide, and 160 registered cooperative members. The organization now boasts a WhatsApp network exceeding 847 members.
A key pillar of the group’s work has been training farmers on sustainable practices. One of its earliest initiatives was teaching members how to produce organic liquid fertilizer using entirely local ingredients—an affordable, environmentally friendly, and health-conscious alternative to imported chemicals. The organization also encourages the cultivation of non-traditional crops such as apples, strawberries, and coffee, diversifying The Gambia’s agricultural landscape.
Farmers’ Pharmacy places strong emphasis on value addition and waste reduction. Members are trained in water-harvesting techniques, seed banking for indigenous varieties, and transforming farm produce into marketable goods such as tomato paste, pepper sauce, juices, and products from mango, watermelon, papaya, and cashew. By converting farm waste into organic manure, the group is helping reduce dependence on expensive imported inputs.
Approximately 80 percent of the organization’s members are smallholder farmers relying on small-scale irrigation. The upcoming market day is designed to help them plan production more effectively, anticipate profits, and secure reliable sales channels. Organizers believe the event will also foster greater cooperation among farmers, facilitate knowledge exchange, and highlight the contributions of women and youth in agribusiness.
Beyond economic benefits, the market seeks to enhance national food security by increasing the availability, accessibility, and affordability of local produce. “Food security relies on availability, accessibility, and affordability,” Badjie noted. “By showcasing local produce in one place, consumers save time and money while supporting Gambian farmers. We will also sell seedlings to promote tree planting and the cultivation of local crops.”
The organization envisions the Farmers Market Day as more than a commercial event—it aims to build a supportive community where members share advice, assist one another during emergencies, and operate like an extended family.
Farmers’ Pharmacy is actively seeking partnerships with government agencies, NGOs, private companies, and other farmer groups to ensure the event’s success and broaden participation. Badjie stressed the critical role of the media in raising awareness: “The media is the lifeblood of society. Coverage of the Farmers Market Day will encourage greater participation and shine a light on the hard work of local producers.”
As the countdown to April 18 continues, the message from Farmers’ Pharmacy remains clear: “Eat well to stay healthy and strong. Know the source of your food and trust the producers. Supporting local agriculture ensures a healthy nation, which is essential for economic development. Farmers must grow their own food to reduce dependence on imports, fight hunger, and ensure proper nutrition.”
The event promises to be a milestone in empowering Gambian smallholder farmers and reshaping the country’s agricultural future.
